Welcome to our In Focus series, where we shine a light on our Project Management team around the country. Week 4: Paul Edmiston, Director, Project Management.
- What is your current role and main responsibilities?
Director of the Health and Education team in NSW. My main responsibilities include overall management of the team, securing work, client relationships, knowledge sharing, to name just a few. - How did you get into this industry?
I have always liked buildings, and I actually started out as a Mechanical Engineer designing air conditioning systems. - Tell us a little bit about your career
I had exposure to some different aspects of the construction industry through my mechanical engineer degree which led me to consulting engineering (mechanical air conditioning). I did this for around 7 years. I then moved into project management focusing on projects in the pharmaceutical industry which I did for around 6 years. After this experience, I joined Savills (my best career move) and have been here 14 years! - What do you love most about your job?
Solving problems - What’s been your biggest challenge on a project and how did you overcome it?
Learning to manage very difficult customers/clients (experience helps a lot). - What motivates you?
Solving problems and positive feedback. - What is your most memorable moment of your career?
Delivering some unique and fantastic projects – one of my favourites being a Bovine Tuberculosis Facility in the UK. It was a one-of-a-kind facility that pushed me to think of unique solutions. The facility had to be strong enough to handle large animals, be cleanable, and be secure both physically and biologically (for the technical geeks it was an enhanced PC3 facility – almost PC4). As part of the facility I had to come up with a design to allow air to travel in a short path from one animal to another without any other cross contamination occurring (food, saliva, faecal matter etc). The final facility met the needs of the users and was a great success – something I am very proud of. - How can clients, consultants and contractors work together better?
Building a platform of trust, transparency, honesty and a one team approach - What are some of the trends you are seeing in the industry?
Lots of changes at the moment as a result of COVID-19. Also we’re seeing an increase in government projects which is great for my sectors. - What are three words that describe you?
Positive, Trustworthy, Considered - How do you manage stakeholders?
Build trust and empathy, be fair open and honest, be clear and decisive. - What do you do to keep learning and growing in your career?
I am not a big fan of formal training (or I haven’t found the right course) but prefer learning and growing on the job. Real life experience, being inquisitive, pushing myself and asking others. - What advice would you give to someone starting in the industry?
Ask questions, listen, learn. - What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into Health and Education?
My sector is very government focused, so you need to understand politics and not be frustrated by it. - What do you do in your leisure time to de-stress?
Time with family and exercise – I run and cycle lots. I was aiming for a sub 3 hr marathon this year but all the marathons have been cancelled with COVID-19. Luckily there’s always next year! - What is the single most important quality you need to possess to be in this industry?
You need to love construction and the built form.
Learn more about Savills Project Management services.